Sofia Airport (SOF)

Sofia Airport (SOF) has a fairly restrictive smoking setup overall, but it is not a complete ban. The only free smoking option at either terminal is outdoors, in designated areas outside the terminal buildings. Airside, your only realistic option is paying to enter the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2. If you are flying from Terminal 1, you have no airside smoking option at all.

Before Security

Both terminals have outdoor designated smoking areas just outside the building, accessible before you go through security. There are no indoor smoking rooms in the public landside areas of either terminal. If you need a smoke before your flight, step outside before checking in or before going through security, as re-entry is possible at this stage.

• Terminal 1: Smoking is only permitted outside the terminal building. There are no indoor smoking facilities landside or airside. The T1 lounge has historically advertised smoking but multiple traveler reports confirm it is not actually permitted inside, despite what signage or staff may suggest.

• Terminal 2: Same rule applies landside. Step outside the main entrance for a smoke before heading through security.

After Security

Once you are past security, your options depend entirely on which terminal you are in.

• Terminal 1 (airside): There are no smoking facilities after security. None. If you are flying Wizz Air or another T1 carrier, plan to smoke outside before you go through.

• Terminal 2 (airside): The Aspire Lounge (formerly called Preslav Lounge, then briefly Aspire after a 2022 renovation) is the only place where smoking is permitted after security. It is located on level 0 (ground floor/basement level), on the right-hand side after the security checkpoint, accessible by stairs, escalator, or elevator. Walk-in entry costs 25 euros per person (per the official airport FAQ as of late 2024), payable in cash (BGN or EUR) or by card. Business class passengers of certain airlines and holders of Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, and some airline status cards get free access. The lounge includes complimentary food, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and Wi-Fi. Crucially, the smoking section takes up roughly half the lounge floor space and is not a sealed glass box but an open section of the room. Windows are covered with frosted foil, so there is no apron view. A May 2026 traveler report notes that the PrimeClass area of the lounge also has an outdoor-style open-air section described as a "greenhouse" with ashtrays.

Vaping

A 2022 report noted that the lounge's smoking room briefly displayed a "no smoking" sign specifying electronic devices only, but ashtrays remained on tables and regular cigarette smoking was still happening. The current situation is ambiguous. Treat vaping as subject to the same lounge-entry requirement as cigarettes.

Transit and Layovers

If you have a connecting flight and need to change terminals, note that T1 and T2 are about 2 km apart and not connected airside. You would need to exit the secure zone, take the free shuttle bus (runs every 15 minutes, 05:00-23:00), and re-clear security at the other terminal. For a smoke during a layover at T2, the Aspire Lounge is your only airside option.

VIP Terminal

Sofia Airport also operates a separate VIP Terminal (bookable via the airport website for around 50 euros), located in the west wing of Terminal 1. This includes private security, a car transfer to the aircraft, and you can smoke right up until boarding. It is a premium service open to any passenger regardless of airline or terminal.

Bottom Line

Smoke outside before security at either terminal; airside, you must pay to enter the Aspire Lounge in T2 (25 euros walk-in) or book the VIP Terminal (50 euros). Terminal 1 departures have zero airside smoking options.

Community update August 30, 2026: A traveler reports a free smoking room after security in Terminal 2, located on the ground floor near gate B2, with no entry fee required.